There is some talk around the hockey world that the Hurricanes could be interested in Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Randy Jones. The basis for this is that Rutherford has told various media outlets he would not mind adding another defenseman, preferably one with an expiring contract. Jones is unrestricted at the end of the season.

As we read in today's paper, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he would be open to moving a defenseman, since Tampa Bay will have nine on the roster after Mike Lundin and Mattias Ohlund get back from injuries, something coach Guy Boucher said might happen this week. But Yzerman added that if he were to move a defenseman he would have to get good return, in other words, a forward who would be a better option than bringing a player up from the minors.

There has been speculation in some of the Canadian deadline-day talk-fests that Carolina might be willing to move Sergei Samsonov, who is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Samsonov has 10 goals, 10 assists in 58 games, and is owed about $680,000 on his $2.8 million deal. But Samsonov has been very inconsistent this season. And would the free-wheeling left wing comfortable in the Lightning's structured system?

Other Hurricanes forwards whose contracts are up after this season are Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen and Chad LaRose, who has loved playing against the Lightning with 11 goals and 17 points in 35 games. He's minus-18, but Tampa Bay's system could help that.

Not saying Jones will get moved or any of this will happen. Just points of discussion.